Horse racing lost one of its most iconic figures this week. Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey who guided the legendary Secretariat to a historic Triple Crown victory in 1973, has passed away at the age of 84.
His family confirmed through longtime friend and business partner Leonard Lusky that Turcotte died of natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, on Friday.
The Man Who Rode Secretariat Into History
Turcotte’s name will forever be linked to Secretariat’s breathtaking run through the Triple Crown.
Together, the duo ended a 25-year drought that had stretched back to Citation’s triumph in 1948.
That summer of 1973 remains unforgettable, especially the Belmont Stakes, where Secretariat stormed across the finish line 31 lengths ahead of the field in a record-breaking 2:24 — a time that still stands more than five decades later.
A Career of Incredible Achievements
Beyond Secretariat, Turcotte built a remarkable résumé of his own.
He won the Kentucky Derby twice, the Preakness twice, and the Belmont Stakes twice, cementing himself as one of the greats of the sport.
In total, he notched 3,032 victories during a career that spanned nearly two decades.
His run as a jockey was tragically cut short in 1978 when he suffered a devastating fall early in a race, an accident that left him paraplegic.
Admiration Beyond the Track
While his achievements on the racetrack made him famous, it was Turcotte’s strength, resilience, and compassion after his injury that defined his legacy.
“Ron was a great jockey and an inspiration to so many, both within and outside the racing world,” Lusky said.
“His faith, courage, and kindness were the true measure of his greatness.”
Champion for Injured Jockeys
After his accident, Turcotte dedicated himself to supporting other riders who faced similar struggles.
His advocacy work through organizations like the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund left a lasting mark on the sport.
New York Racing Association president David O’Rourke reflected on this side of his life:
“While his courage as a jockey was on full display to a nation of adoring fans, it was after his life-altering injury that we learned about the true character of Ron Turcotte.”
A Lasting Legacy
Ron Turcotte will always be remembered as the man who held the reins of Secretariat during the most electrifying Triple Crown run in history.
But those who knew him best insist that his greatest victories came after the cheering stopped — in the way he lived, the kindness he showed, and the support he gave to others facing hardship.
His story is one of triumph, tragedy, and resilience — a legacy that will continue to inspire both inside and outside the world of racing.
